Stockton Wheel Co.
In 1883, the Stockton Wheel Company was established by Benjamin Holt and his brother, Charles, in California’s Central Valley to manufacture wagon wheels, wagons and related products.
Patents
Benjamin Holt in 1884 at the age of 45. Holt received 47 patents during his lifetime.
Link Belt Chains
Holt’s innovative “link belt” combined harvester used link belt chains instead of unreliable mechanical gears, greatly increasing productivity. By the turn of the century, Holt was the largest combine manufacturer in America and was exporting machines to other countries.
Steam Traction Engine
Holt produced his first steam traction engine with a new patented innovation… steering clutches.
The First Caterpillar
Benjamin Holt replaced the wheels on a steam traction engine, Holt No. 77, with self-laying tracks to develop the world’s first successful track type tractor, named the “Caterpillar.”
HOLT Caterpillar Company
Growth and prosperity in the Midwest farm equipment market led Holt to purchase a factory site in Peoria, Illinois. The new Holt Caterpillar Company began producing track type tractors in early 1910 and was consolidated into The Holt Manufacturing Company in 1913.
William K. Holt Machinery Co.
William K. “Bill” Holt, Benjamin’s second son, established the William K. Holt Machinery Co. in San Antonio, Texas with one store and less than 10 employees. In 1937, the Cat dealership relocated to a 46,000 square foot facility leased from the H.B. Zachry Co.
Twin D8
The Twin D8, a monstrous tractor joining two D8 powertrains, was developed by Peterson Tractor, a California Cat dealer. Wm. K. Holt Machinery bought two of the custom tractors as part of a machine solution for the King Ranch’s need to clear large mesquite trees on thousands of acres of cattle production land in South Texas. The massive Holt Root Plow was designed for the Twin D8 to King Ranch specs. The operator would use a Holt Funnel Dozer to knock the large trees down and the Holt Root Plow would cut them below the bud zone, ensuring they did not re-sprout. These custom tools allowed a Twin D8 to plow four acres per hour.
Spray King® Water Wagon
The Holt Spray King® Water Wagon was developed to help increase soil compaction and provide dust control during construction of the Interstate Highway System.
Peter M. Holt
The oldest son of B.D., joined the B.D. Holt Co. He became President in 1984.
Darr Equipment Acquisition
Holt Company of Texas acquired Darr Equipment, the Cat dealer in North Texas, creating a 118-county territory called HOLT CAT. This acquisition more than doubled HOLT's opportunity and provided one of the best markets for heavy equipment and engines in the U.S.
Peter John Holt and Corinna Holt Richter Join HOLT CAT
... and begin a comprehensive leadership training program. They represent the fifth generation of the Holt family business dedicated to a distinguished legacy of service and innovation. In 2017, Peter and Corinna became principals of HOLT CAT, beginning the next chapter in the Holt family legacy.